Updated: Monday, July 7th, 2014 at 10:32pm

Kaley Cuoco arrives at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 19 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The actress will begin filming a new project in Albuquerque. (Courtesy of Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico will soon see a “Big Bang Theory” star around the Duke City.

Kaley Cuoco, who plays Penny on the hit TV show, will begin working on her new film, “Burning Bodhi.”

According to the Internet Movie Database, the film is about a young man who reads on Facebook that his best friend from high school is dead and he reluctantly comes home to New Mexico to confront his troublesome parents, his heartbroken first girlfriend and a ton of regrets.

“This film is about your first dead friend. It’s about grief and laughter, and celebrating life, about growing up; whatever that means,” says Matthew McDuffie, writer and director of the film.

Virginia Madsen returns to New Mexico to film, “Burning Bodhi.”

McDuffie is a University of New Mexico professor who teaches screenwriting.

It is being produced by Albuquerque resident Marshall Bear.

According to the New Mexico Film Office, production will take place in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County mid-July through the beginning of August.

Nick Maniatis, film office director, said the project has a strong New Mexico connection.

“We are always excited to announce projects that involve local talent,” Maniatis said. “In this case, both the writer and producer make Albuquerque their home. Nothing is better than when we have New Mexicans creating jobs for New Mexicans.”

The production will also employ at least 30 New Mexico crew members and three New Mexico actors.

Ann Lerner, film liaison for the city of Albuquerque, said having a project written and produced by New Mexico residents is what New Mexico film is all about.